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Fine Art Print : Black John of Tetcott, James Northcote (1746-1831)
Fine Art Prints from Royal Cornwall Museum
Black John of Tetcott, James Northcote (1746-1831)
Oil on canvas, English School. In 1784 Northcote painted the portrait of John Arscott (1718-1788) of Tetcott, Devon, and it is probable that he painted this portrait of Black John of Tetcott at same the time. Black John was under four foot in height and suffered from kyphosis, known at the time this portrait was painted as hunchback. The descriptions of his life, spent in the service of John Arscott, record his success as a jester and his devotion to his master. It was common for servants lives to be overlooked and trivialised by the households they worked for and for their histories to be re-written, ensuring that they had no voice of their own. For example, it was noted that " his role as jester included swallowing and retrieving strings of live mice and mumbling sparrows, removing their feathers with his teeth while the sparrow was in his mouth. He died of grief shortly after his master." There is no history of Black Johns life (not even a record of his real name) that is not in relation to that of his master. James Northcote was born in Plymouth, the son of a watchmaker and optician. He was apprenticed to his fathers trade but showed a talent for art. In 1769 he left his fathers work and set up as a portrait painter. He was admitted as a pupil into the studio and house of Sir Joshua Reynolds in London as a pupil and assistant between 1771 and 1776. He came to consider himself an authority on his master and in 1813, after Reynolds death, he published his posthumous Memoirs of Sir Joshua Reynolds
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : 1946.95
Media ID 18848159
© RIC
Artist Beard Blue British Brown Clothes Countryside Green Grey Stick Tree Ripped Torn
21"x14" (+3" Border) Fine Art Print
Experience the captivating allure of the past with our exquisite Fine Art Print of Black John of Tetcott, a masterpiece by James Northcote. Painted in 1784, this evocative oil on canvas portrait from the Royal Cornwall Museum transports you back in time. Northcote's expert brushwork and intricate details bring the enigmatic figure of Black John to life, making this a must-have addition to any art collection. Embrace the rich history and timeless beauty of this iconic work.
21x14 image printed on 27x20 Fine Art Rag Paper with 3" (76mm) white border. Our Fine Art Prints are printed on 300gsm 100% acid free, PH neutral paper with archival properties. This printing method is used by museums and art collections to exhibit photographs and art reproductions.
Our fine art prints are high-quality prints made using a paper called Photo Rag. This 100% cotton rag fibre paper is known for its exceptional image sharpness, rich colors, and high level of detail, making it a popular choice for professional photographers and artists. Photo rag paper is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print. If you can afford to spend more on a higher quality paper, then Photo Rag is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 32.7cm x 53.3cm (12.9" x 21")
Estimated Product Size is 50.8cm x 68.6cm (20" x 27")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable portrait of "Black John of Tetcott" by James Northcote, an esteemed English artist. Painted in 1784, this oil on canvas masterpiece depicts John Arscott's loyal servant, who was affectionately known as Black John due to his dark complexion. Standing at under four feet tall and afflicted with kyphosis, or hunchback, Black John's physical appearance did not define his extraordinary talents. In an era when servants were often disregarded and their stories silenced, this portrait sheds light on a life that would have otherwise been forgotten. As a jester in the service of John Arscott, Black John brought joy and laughter to those around him. His devotion to his master is evident through historical accounts that describe his incredible abilities as well as peculiar acts such as swallowing live mice and plucking feathers from sparrows using only his teeth. Tragically, Black John's story ends with heartbreak as he succumbed to grief shortly after the passing of his beloved master. It is disheartening that there exists no recorded history beyond his association with John Arscott; even his real name remains unknown. James Northcote himself had a fascinating journey from being apprenticed to a watchmaker and optician to becoming one of Sir Joshua Reynolds' most talented pupils. Considered an authority on Reynolds after the latter's death, Northcote published memoirs about him in 1813. Through this poignant portrait by James Northcote, we are reminded of the untold narratives hidden within our pasts – stories waiting for us to uncover them and give voice to those who were once overlooked or trivialized.
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